"How Vital are Pre-marital and Prenatal Checks for Raising a Healthy Infant?"

Prevalence of Birth Defects in China and the Importance of Pre-marital and Pre-pregnancy Examinations

Currently, the total number of children with birth defects in China reaches 800,000 to 1.2 million annually, accounting for 4% to 6% of the total births. This figure is on the rise every year. Nevertheless, a significant portion of young adults harbor reluctance towards pre-marital and pre-pregnancy examinations. Some individuals resent being "suspected," while others mistakenly equate pre-marital checkups with routine physicals, deeming them unnecessary prior to marriage or conception. These indifferent attitudes, unfortunately, contribute to tragic outcomes.

The Tragic Consequences of Avoiding Pre-marital Examinations

Xiao Zhao (female) and Xiao Li (male) met through introductions. After a period of courtship, they embarked on marriage plans at the urging of their families. During the registration process, Xiao Li declined the pre-marital examination, citing a recent clean bill of health from a workplace physical. Xiao Zhao saw no immediate cause for concern. However, despite their active efforts to conceive, they remained childless for two years. Prompted by others' advice, Xiao Zhao accompanied Xiao Li to a pre-pregnancy checkup, which revealed Xiao Li's history of cryptorchidism, a contributing factor to their infertility. "Their family knew and concealed this from me. They deceived me. I want a divorce!" Xiao Zhao sobbed to her doctor in the clinic. Although the doctor assured her of the treatability of the condition and the possibility of having children, the couple's trust had eroded, and Xiao Zhao remained resolute in her decision to divorce. Medical professionals lamented this outcome, emphasizing that had they undergone proper pre-marital and pre-pregnancy screenings, this tragedy could have been averted.

The Comprehensive Benefits of Pre-marital and Pre-pregnancy Examinations

The health of both partners serves as the foundation for a happy and harmonious marriage, guaranteeing the well-being of future offspring. Pre-marital examinations are crucial in promoting healthy unions and preventing birth defects. These checkups represent a sincere commitment to the sanctity of love and marriage. The Reproductive Medicine Center of Shandong Maternity and Child Health Hospital, a provincial non-profit healthcare institution under the administration of Shandong Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission, serves as a designated facility for free pre-marital medical examinations and pre-pregnancy eugenic checks for couples residing in Lixia District, Jinan City. Equipped with experts specializing in female reproductive endocrinology, infertility, male infertility, and sexual dysfunction, the center boasts extensive diagnostic experience and robust technical capabilities.

The national program offers free pre-marital medical examinations and pre-pregnancy eugenic checks. Female pre-marital examinations encompass routine checks, internal medicine examinations, gynecological examinations (for sexually active individuals), among others. Male counterparts undergo similar routine and internal medicine checks, along with viral screenings, liver function tests, etc. Pre-pregnancy eugenic checks for women involve assessments of liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing, viral screenings, and pelvic ultrasound examinations. Male checks include blood and urine analysis, viral screenings, liver and kidney function tests, among others. Fathers-to-be undergoing the national pre-pregnancy eugenic check at the center's reproductive outpatient clinic can enjoy free semen routine examinations. Experts at the clinic provide personalized health education and follow-up treatment recommendations based on the examination reports, ensuring continuous care and further supporting optimal pregnancy outcomes.

Leveraging Technological Advancements to Enhance Services

The Reproductive Medicine Center prioritizes the development of reproductive medicine and has established a professional technical team led by physicians, equipped with domestically advanced instruments and equipment. Furthermore, the center offers specialized clinics for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent miscarriage, eugenics in gynecology, fertility assessment, uterine coldness, minimally invasive tubal surgery, eugenics in andrology, and male sexual dysfunction, striving to provide each couple with the "simplest, most natural, and most suitable" personalized treatment plan. (Source: Internet)